Artwork preview

Head of a Jain Tirthankara

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The sculpture depicts the head of a Jain Tirthankara, an important figure in Jainism. The head is made of stone and appears weathered with a rough texture and visible speckles. The face is round with a subtle, closed-mouth smile and eyes that are cast downward. The eyebrows are shaped and have a distinctive arch. A dot adorns the center of the forehead. The ears are visible on either side of the head. The head is positioned on a black stand, with a metal rod supporting it from underneath. The background is plain and light-colored.

Artwork Details

Date
2nd century
Medium
Red sandstone
Culture
India
Dimensions
445 × 624 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette